Brian Urlacher joins first Chicago Bears practice since July

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice Monday for the first time since July 31, hoping to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Urlacher did not stop to talk to reporters, but coach Lovie Smith said the eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker looked good considering he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug. 14.

"He had a good first day back," Smith said. "He's got to get in shape. I'm sure he'll tell you that and a few other things like that. But we didn't have any trouble with him today. He's right on schedule."

Urlacher did talk to WFLD-TV before Monday about his condition and said, "I'm playing Sunday. That's a done deal."

"I will be as close to it as I can be," he said. "I have been doing some things. I've been in the pool. I have been running with our trainers and stuff on the side. But it's hard to get in shape in a week of practice. It's not possible. But I will get as close as I can to it."